Folly Beach Pier
Folly Beach Pier is South Carolina's surfing epicenter—the most recognized wave in a state that flies under the East Coast radar but delivers quality surf when conditions align. The pier creates sandbars that focus whatever swell arrives, from late-summer hurricane energy to winter cold fronts pushing down from the northeast. Charleston's proximity brings a unique surf culture that blends Southern hospitality with competitive lineups when it's firing. For anyone exploring East Coast surfing beyond the Florida-to-North-Carolina corridor, Folly Beach Pier proves South Carolina deserves its spot on the map.
Today's Conditions
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Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
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Return flights to CHS, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (130°)
- Direction range
- 90° - 170°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Offshore range
- 280° - 350°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
21°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
7/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Public beach. Parking can be limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Folly Beach Pier?
Folly Beach Pier works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Folly Beach Pier?
Offshore wind at Folly Beach Pier blows from the NW (315°). Anything in the 280° to 350° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Folly Beach Pier?
Folly Beach Pier wants SE swell (90° to 170°) between 0.6m and 2.5m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Folly Beach Pier?
The main season at Folly Beach Pier is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Aug. Hurricane swells and cold fronts.
How do I get to Folly Beach Pier?
Fly into CHS, then allow about 30 minutes by road. Public beach. Parking can be limited.
What kind of wave is Folly Beach Pier?
Folly Beach Pier is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Aug
Hurricane swells and cold fronts.